TJ Maxx store coming to Ellenton in spring

Ellenton is about to get its own TJ Maxx, the start of what may be a push by more national chain stores into Manatee County.

The company that operates the discount retail chain, TJX Companies of Massachusetts, plans to open a new store directly across from the entrance to the Ellenton Premium Outlets this spring.

It will become the fifth TJ Maxx store in the Sarasota-Bradenton metro area.

The new store is being installed in 24,000 square feet of existing space at North River Village, a center adjacent to the outlet mall off Interstate 75 between Sarasota and Tampa. A TJX spokeswoman confirmed that the store would open this spring, but could not provide any additional details.

Casto Southeast Realty Services, an affiliate of Sarasota-based Casto Lifestyle Properties, has also landed an 18,000-square-foot Beall's Outlet at the same shopping center. That store opened in October.

"The Ellenton area has seen growth over the past few years, and Casto is pleased to welcome both Beall's Outlet and TJ Maxx to North River Village," said Paul Rutledge, a Casto executive vice president.

"Due to the high volume of regional draw, there are road expansion plans in place, as well as area beautification, including new development on adjacent, vacant land," Rutledge said.

TJX operates four stores in the Sarasota-Bradenton area, at 3700 South Tuttle Ave., in Sarasota; 450 N. Venice By-Pass, in Venice; 6100 14th Street W, in Bradenton; and in the Cocoplum Village Shops, in North Port.